Collins, Richard A.

Richard A. Collins, 73, of Mount Vernon, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, after a long illness. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Friday at Morgan Funeral  and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery, with military rites.

Surviving Richard is his daughter, Sherian Collins and friend Vic Rahn of Solon; two grandsons, Steven and Joseph Steggall; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Art Collins of West Branch, and Bob (Cora) Collins of Mount Vernon; a nephew; and many nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years; a brother, John and wife Velma; a sister, Wanda Kaplan and husband Kenneth; three halfsisters, Hazel Hoffman, Mildred Thompson and Mable Whitman, a sister-in-law, Kathleen Collins; and a great-granddaughter, Missy Stice.

Richard was born on the family farm west of Mount Vernon on March 23, 1937, the son of Arthur and Minnie Thompson Collins. He joined the Air Force in 1954. He met Gloria Hollingsworth while serving his country and married her Oct. 21, 1955 in Marietta, Ga. After his tour of duty, the couple moved back to Mount Vernon in 1959.Richard worked for Sanitary Dairy in Cedar Rapids for 29 years before retiring. Richard loved fishing, hunting, camping, horses, playing pool and working on small engines. He especially enjoyed afternoon coffee with the gang at Hardees.

A memorial fund in Richard's honor has been established.

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